How to Build a Comprehensive Emergency Plan

How to Build a Comprehensive Emergency Plan

Unexpected emergencies, such as storms, floods, bushfires, heatwaves or power outages can strike at any time. Having an emergency plan is one of the best ways to respond withconfidence, protect your loved ones, and reduce panic. But many  people don’t know where to start.
This guide draws on best practices from Queensland’s Get Ready program, Victoria’s VicEmergency, and NSW’s Get Ready resources to walk you through creating a truly comprehensive emergency plan. Use the companion checklist/worksheet below to ensure nothing is missed.

Why you need a plan
 Emergencies don’t wait. You may have little time to react.
 A plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do and reduces confusion.
 It helps you gather essential supplies, designate meeting places, and coordinate with neighbours or carers.
 For people with disabilities or special needs, a plan must consider unique requirements (mobility, medical supplies, communication aids).
 Being informed and prepared can save lives and possessions.

Step 1: Understand your risks
1. Local hazards: What natural disasters or extreme weather events are common where you live (flooding, bushfire, storm, heatwave)?
2. Impact on infrastructure: Could power, water, phone lines or transport be disrupted?
3. Warning systems & sources: Identify which official sources you’ll rely on for updates (e.g. VicEmergency for Victoria, or Queensland’s Get Ready alerts, know your local emergency broadcaster radio frequency)
4. Vulnerability factors: Think about people in your household who may have mobility issues, medical needs, special communication needs, or the needs of any pets in your household.

Step 2: Collect key contact information

Your emergency plan should include:
 Names, phone numbers, and addresses of all household members
 Emergency contacts (friends, relatives)
 Local emergency services numbers (e.g. Triple Zero “000”)
 Local council or SES/emergency agencies in your area
 Doctors, pharmacies, carers or support workers (especially for people with disabilities or other medical needs)
 Neighbours or community contacts
 Out-of-area contact (someone in an unaffected area everyone can call to say “safe”)

Step 3: Establish communication procedures
 Decide how your household will communicate in an emergency if phone/internet lines are down (e.g. SMS, prearranged meeting locations)
 Let carers or neighbours know your plan and share contact info (For people with disability, plan what to do if carers can’t reach you.)
 Agree on a “safe meeting place” both close to home and outside your immediate neighbourhood in case evacuation is needed.

Step 4: Prepare an emergency kit
Your kit should contain supplies to last at least three days, if not more. For people with disability, plan for extra needs.
Essentials to include:
 Drinking water and non-perishable food
 First aid kit + prescription medications (enough for at least a week)
 Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, medical records)
 Torch and spare batteries
 Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
 Spare phone charger/power bank
 Hygiene items (soap, tissues, masks)
 Items specific to disabilities: glasses, hearing aids, mobility aids, communication devices, spare batteries, etc.
 Pet supplies (food, water, vaccination records, ID)
 Cash (small denominations)
 Tools (multi-tool, duct tape, etc.)
 Emergency blanket, clothing, sturdy shoes

Step 5: Plan for evacuation or “shelter in place”
 Know your local council’s evacuation zones and guidelines
 Identify your primary and alternate routes out
 Choose a safe location to shelter if evacuation is impossible
 Plan for where pets will go
 Make arrangements for people who may need assistance (elderly, children, people with disabilities)

Step 6: Protect your home
 Trim vegetation (for bushfire risk), secure gutters, remove flammable materials
 Check and maintain drainage to reduce flood risk
 Bolt or brace large furniture/heavy objects
 Know how to safely turn off utilities (gas, electricity, water)

Step 7: Practice and review your plan
 Walk through the plan with everyone in the household
 Practice evacuation or “drop, cover, hold on” drills (depending on your hazard)
 Update the plan when circumstances change (new family member, medical condition, changes in infrastructure)
 Review before high-risk seasons (e.g. bushfire season)

Step 8: Stay informed during an emergency
 Follow official warnings and alerts (VicEmergency in Victoria, NSW’s warning services, Queensland’s Get Ready alerts)
 Monitor local radio, emergency apps, websites
 Don’t rely solely on social media — it can be slow or inaccurate
 Be ready to act when warnings escalate

Official warning and alerts sites for each state
 VicEmergency: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
 NSW HazardWatch: https://www.hazardwatch.gov.au
 Get Ready Queensland: https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/alerts-and-warnings
 ACT Emergency Services Agency: https://esa.act.gov.au
 Secure NT: https://securent.nt.gov.au/alerts-warnings
 Alert SA: https://www.alert.sa.gov.au
 Emergency WA: https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au
 TASAlert: https://alert.tas.gov.au/?view=both

Building an emergency plan might feel overwhelming, but by breaking it into step-by-step
tasks, it becomes manageable. Use the checklist below as your roadmap. Print it, fill it in,
store it somewhere everyone can access — and share it with your neighbours and carers.